James Harden’s free agency intrigue could include Suns: ‘In the wind’

The free agency saga surrounding James Harden has begun well before the official July 6th start date.

The latest twist occurred on Friday when ESPN’s Ramonda Shelbourne mentioned that Harden could be interested in the Suns.

“The Phoenix Suns don’t waive Chris Paul unless they feel pretty good about somebody else,” Shelbourne said on the network. “And I want you to keep your eye on James Harden. I don’t want to report anything, but that was in the wind for the past month or so.”

Paul was reportedly waived by the Suns this week.

Even with the addition of forward Kevin Durant to the team, Paul and Devin Booker lacked the necessary help to beat a talent-rich Denver Nuggets squad that is currently in the NBA Finals.

Harden would instantly bring Phoenix more of a scoring punch than Paul did.

Harden averaged 21 points per game, along with a league-leading 10.7 assists last season.

If the former MVP hits the open market, he would instantly make the trio of himself, Booker and Durant one of the most lethal trios in the league.

If Paul were to officially be waived, it likely would provide the Suns a pathway to sign Harden and make it work under the salary cap.